No matter how experienced you are as a truck driver, it never hurts to get the occasional refresher on driving safely. Here are a few tips that can help you operate more safely and become a better truck driver.
Defense! Defense!:
CMV operators must be constantly vigilant to detect unexpected road conditions, distracted drivers, and motorists who don’t understand how CMVs operate. Scan ahead about 15 seconds (a quarter of a mile on interstates, or one to two blocks in cities) for traffic issues, work zones and other dangers. Check mirrors every 8-10 seconds to be aware of vehicles entering your blind spots.
Practice Work Zone Safety:
Work zones present many hazards, like lane shifts, sudden stops, uneven road surfaces, moving workers and equipment, and confused passenger vehicle drivers. Slow down, maintain extra following space, and be prepared to stop. Remember to obey all work zone signs and signals. Scan ahead for changing traffic patterns and be alert to vehicles entering those blind spots.
Signal for Safety:
Signal and brake to give other drivers plenty of time to notice intent. If you must pull off the road, use flashers, reflective triangles, and road flares.
#safety
Be Aware of Your NO-ZONE:
Did you know one-third of all crashes between large trucks and cars takes place in the No-Zone? As a professional operator, you are aware that some of your blind spots are large enough that a passenger vehicle can virtually disappear from your view. Many passenger vehicle motorists probably don’t realize this. Maintain your lane and stay put. Do not make unnecessary or evasive lane changes. You never know what may have snuck up on you.
#maintainyourlane
Have You Had Your BLT Today?:
Start every day with a BLT! Folks – Brakes, Lights, Tires – we know these are the most common violations found. You already know this so make sure thorough checks are done each day – especially on these items. It’s like having the answers to the test you are getting ready to take so why not make sure you are good to go before you are examined on it? Take time to fix the simple and obvious issues. Forgetting to have your daily BLT can cause you a lot of downtime waiting on the officer to finalize your RSI report. C’mon let’s get these #’s down
In the end, these are simple driving practices, but their impact to your safety and that of other motorists can be huge!